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Diamond mum says ‘thanks’ with £4,000

Last updated at 20:49, Thursday, 29 March 2012

A Keswick mum, who went through a “horrendous ordeal” when her son was diagnosed with type one diabetes last year, has raised more than £4,000 for the charity and hospital which helped the family pull through.

Jackie Attwood, 44, of Windebrowe Avenue, has arranged the annual Black Diamond Ball charity event at the Lodore Falls Hotel for seven years, raising more than £40,000 for various charities.

But this year, she decided to raise cash for Diabetes UK and the children’s ward at the Cumberland Infirmary in Carlisle, which helped George, 12, when he was rushed to hospital last August.

The family had been on holiday in Whitley Bay in the North East.

They were returning home when George, a Keswick School pupil, started to feel ill.

They took him to the family’s GP surgery to be checked over.

His doctor called an ambulance immediately and he was rushed to the hospital where he was kept on the children’s ward for four days.

Jackie, who works at Keswick Rugby Club, said: “We really didn’t know what was happening.

“It was a horrendous ordeal.

“It was a bit of a shock when he was diagnosed but the staff on the ward were fantastic and really helped us through it.

“I always raise money for local and national charities through the ball, but this year I thought it would be nice to raise money for the charities which helped my son.”

Jackie added that although it has been a constant battle to keep George’s blood sugar to a normal level, he has got into a daily routine of checking his blood and taking medication.

“He does have two to three hypos a day so there is that constant battle to get his energy to a normal level but he is determined to live a normal life and is very active and likes to play rugby, badminton and goes to scouts,” she added.

“George is taking everything in his stride. We still have to take him for three-monthly check-ups and it’s something he will have to manage for life because there’s no cure but he is coping really well.”

Around 85 people attended the event earlier this month, which raised £4,537.

They enjoyed cocktails and canapes before sitting down to a four-course dinner.

Entertainment was provided by two singing waiters, followed by a prize draw, auction and a DJ.

Jackie, who also has a three-year-old daughter Ruby, added: “It has helped that George now understands his condition and that we now know more about the condition and how to support him.

“We want to thank everyone who came along to the event.”

Around 70 per cent of the money will be given to Diabetes UK and 30 per cent will go to the hospital.